Student group offers Feb. 2 human trafficking presentation

Feb. 1, 2016

SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The Project to End Human Trafficking student group at Slippery Rock University will offer insights into modern slavery when it presents "Valentine's Day is Not Always About Love" at 7 p.m., Feb. 2, in 105 Vincent Science Center.

Erin O'Connor, a psychology major from New Castle and vice president of the group, along with other group members will present a 15-minute PowerPoint that demonstrates connections between Valentine's Day purchases and modern-day slavery. A question and answer and letter writing campaign will follow.

O'Connor said the goal is to educate attendees about consumer decisions that indirectly support slavery. She said slaves in third-word countries make some of the common Valentine's Day gifts, such as chocolate, flowers, makeup, wine and jewelry.

She said many Americans don't realize slavery exists. The Project to End Human Trafficking student organization at SRU was formed to fight the problem. The group currently has 10 members.

"That's exactly why we started this organization, to bring awareness that it's (modern slavery) a really large problem and it's happening all over the world," O'Connor said.

O'Connor said attendees would be given the opportunity to send thank you postcards to companies who publically oppose slave labor and to companies thought to use slave labor asking them to stop.

Valentine's Day is Feb. 14.

SRU's Gender Studies Program is co-sponsoring the presentation.

MEDIA CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine | 724.738.4854 | gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu